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Doherty condemns Castlederg sign

Sinn Féin MP Pat Doherty has described the erection of a sign relating to the deaths of two UDR men as the height of insensitivity.

Speaking after a sign was erected on a lamppost at Corgary outside Castlederg, the West Tyrone MP said;

"Everyone should have the right to commemorate their dead with respect and dignity.

"The erection of this distasteful sign at Corgary is the height of insensitivity.

"I can understand the anguish and distress this has caused to the immediate families and wider community. I totally condemn the actions of those who are responsible.

"They are in no way reflective of the Republican community in Castlederg.

"I would also call on unionist politicians to be equally unequivocal and consistent given their silence when a loyalist flag was erected at the site where Sinn Féin member Patrick Shanaghan was murdered.

"As elected representatives it is our duty to engage in open and meaningful dialogue in an effort to ensure a reduction in the tensions arising from issues relating to parading, flags and emblems in the Castlederg area.

"I and other Sinn Féin representatives in the area are ready and willing to recommence this dialogue and are eagerly awaiting others to come to the table so that we can collectively forge a better future for the people of Castlederg."